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Interview with Axel Scheffler and "The Horror Handbook"

German-born Axel Scheffler is best known for his partnership with Julia Donaldson, where his trademark style has brought to life such well-loved characters as the Gruffalo, Stick Man and Zog. In his latest collaboration, Axel has joined forces with Dutch author, Paul van Loon, to create The Horror Handbook.

The essential book for all fans of scary stories, this almanac of things that go bump in the night is the perfect gift for any fan of ghouls, goblins and monsters. More Scooby Doo fun than Hammer House, the book is just the right side of scary, and ideal for children aged 9-11, or any horror - or Scheffler - fan! Read on for an insight from Axel Scheffler into his unique style and work.

Interview with Axel Scheffler

Q. How old were you when you first started illustrating?

I can't remember when I first drew something – as a small child. It depends what you mean by “illustrating”. But if you mean illustrating a text, it was a bit later than that… I’ve drawn since I was a child, and I’ve been illustrating professionally since 1986.

Q. What drew you to The Horror Handbook?

The Horror Handbook was published in Germany first – about twenty years ago. I thought the text had a nice humorous touch and I enjoyed illustrating it very much.

Q. Out of every book you’ve ever illustrated, which was your favourite and why?

I don’t have one favourite book. I like some more than others – usually the more quirky ones like Highway Rat, Stick Man or The Smartest Giant in Town.

Q. You’ve illustrated books in many languages – do you have a favourite language to work with?

I’ve only illustrated books in three languages – German, French and English; although, of course, some are translated into many languages afterwards. I don’t really read French very well, so that’s a bit more difficult. To illustrate a text it doesn't matter to me which language the text is in – as long as I have some understanding – however, I think English is a great language for picture book texts.Q. What was your favourite book growing up as a child?

I think my favourite was about a little bear called "Petzi" – it was originally a Danish comic strip (but without speech bubbles). The cover is on my new website – Petzi is a bear with red dungarees with white dots and has many adventures with his friends which include a penguin and a pelican. This would’ve been my favourite when I was five or six.Q. What is your favourite book now?

I don’t have one favourite book but many. Nowadays I tend to read less fiction, more non-fiction, in German as well as in English.Q. If you could give one piece of advice to a young artist, what would it be?

If you mean an illustrator – I feel it's a little self evident but: draw lots, go to museums, be curious, look at lots of (good) illustrations.

Q. Do you have a special place where you draw?

I work from home, in a studio at the top of the house: there is chaos, and I wish there was order. Every now and then I tidy my desk, but three days later it looks the same again. It used to be even smaller – I bought a bigger one, but the mess just grows with the table surface. I have given up hope that it'll ever be tidy.

Q. Your most well-known project to date is The Gruffalo – were you inspired by anyone in particular when creating it?

I wasn’t inspired by anything – it’s not based on somebody I know! The Gruffalo is just a furry monster… he’s sort of how I imagine monsters, living in deep, dark woods, with a name like that.

Q. If you could organise a dinner party to be attended by characters from books, which three guests would be at the top of your list?

I’ve got no idea! I think I’d probably invite the three little pigs, so they can shelter from the Big Bad Wolf.

Cats have an unfounded reputation as disloyal, perfidious creatures who live alongside us simply because a bowl of food turns up fairly regularly. They are reputed to be standoffish, overly independent and difficult to understand. Recent research has suggested that cats have a long-term memory of at least a decade, and animal behaviourists are gaining new understanding of their actions all the time. The truth is cats are independent creatures with their own thoughts and opinions on what is and isn't acceptable; we humans just have to put up with it! But do they actually love us? Well, if you think your cat doesn't care, think again.

How excited are your little ones getting about Christmas? With just 6 weeks to go, the wish lists are sure to be growing and you may have even started your Christmas shopping and planning. But what about the all important Advent calendar? Nothing beats opening a tiny window each morning as the December countdown begins, and even better if there is a small toy or chocolate treat behind each door!

I bet you didn't know that play dough conducts electricity, or that it could be the ideal way to kick-start children's interest in electronics and circuits, from as early as age 4. STEM toys and activities have largely centred on technology-led learning and, if kids have no interest in computing, coding or building a robot there aren't many alternatives. Tech Will Save Us seek to plug this gap with their award-winning DIY kits and toys.

The annual top toys for Christmas list was announced yesterday, including LEGO, slime, Barbie, pooping unicorns, L.O.L. Surprise, Paw Patrol and even a new version of Monopoly. Take a look at the list below for our pick of the toys retailers predict will be the top toys for Christmas, and a few more of our top choices too.

In theory, getting pregnant is easy. After all, most of us spend a good many years aiming to not get pregnant, so we assume that when we want to it will all happen easily and quickly. Right time of the month, no contraception and Bob's your uncle, or something like that. In reality, it will take most couples 6 months or longer to get pregnant. But there are plenty of things you can do to boost your chances of getting pregnant - beyond the obvious! Here are 10 things you should do when trying to conceive - and 3 you shouldn't.

This delicious and impressive-looking vegan main course is perfect for Sunday lunch with the family or for special occasions like Thanksgiving or Easter, even Christmas. Even the die-hard meat eaters will be impressed with this one, so make sure you make enough! The quantities given here for the blackberry sauce makes just a small amount to drizzle over the potatoes and parsnips. If you would prefer more, just multiply up the quantities. You can use frozen blackberries for the sauce, just make sure the defrosted weight is correct for the recipe.

OK, I'm going to go ahead and do this, brace yourselves! Christmas. Not much more than 100 days to go, the toy adverts are upping their pace on TV, and the weather might even have decided its autumn already. The holidays are coming as a certain soft drink manufacturer tells us. If you really want to get in the festive spirit this year, why not book a trip to one of Europe's most magical Christmas markets?

If you're looking for something different this Christmas, or you have vegetarian visitors to cater for, this unusual oriental pudding recipe could be just the ticket. This authentic dish from the UK's leading oriental grocer, Wing Yip, will give an extra spice and twist to your festive fare this season.